oBabel

• Source: Github Repository
• Releases: Github Releases
• Forum: oBabel exporting kml gpx to chartplotters

OpenCPN is a fantastic program for planning routes but sometimes these routes need to be transferred to chartplotters from Garmin, Raymarine etc.

The oBabel plugin is intended to make the transfer of routes and waypoints from OpenCPN to (Initially) Garmin Chartplotters easier. These instructions are for using oBabel with MS Windows. It has not been tested with other OS.

At present the transfer of waypoints directly from OpenCPN via NMEA0183 is possible, but not the routes they are part of. Using the program GPSBabel as part of the plugin allows the transfer of routes via the Garmin protocol, if a Garmin plotter is being used.

Download the installer and run this .exe file.

https://github.com/Rasbats/oBabel_pi/releases

The OpenSource GPSBabel program needs to be installed on your computer. A copy can be downloaded from here:

http://www.gpsbabel.org/download.html

Connect your chartplotter to the OpenCPN computer using a serial cable.

Enable the plugin by using Tools/Options and pressing the Enable button.

The main page of the plugin appears:

The plugin should detect the comport (COM2 in this case) that is being used for the connection to the plotter. If you have been using this serial comport already as one of the connections in OpenCPN you will need to delete the connection using Tools/Connections in OpenCPN. oBabel and OpenCPN cannot use the same comport.

The Garmin plotter communication configuration must be set to 'Garmin'.

The plugin uses the OpenSource GPSBabel program. Find the 'gpsbabel.exe' program file by pressing 'Locate GPSBabel'. The path to the file appears in the textbox on the left.

In this first runthrough we will transfer a route using KML and the clipboard.

In OpenCPN display the route you wish to transfer. 'Right-Click' anywhere on the route and choose the option 'KML Standard'.

Right-Click again in the Clipboard area of the plugin and the KML text will appear.

Use the checkboxes to select what you want to transfer. Finally press 'Clipboard→GPSBabel'. A box will appear showing the options you have chosen.

Pressing 'OK' starts the transfer. You will see some screen activity as GPSBabel is started and does the work. Using a Garmin plotter you will hear a 'beep' as each transfer is completed.

It is possible to transfer a route that has been saved on your computer. If it is a route exported from OpenCPN use the dropdown 'KML/oGPX/GPX' and select 'oGPX'.

Press 'File→GPSBabel' and the 'Proceed' page appears. Using 'Ok' starts the transfer.

For routes from EasyGPS and other sources choose 'GPX' from the dropdown 'KML/oGPX/GPX'.

Use the same technique as shown above for copying a route to the clipboard. In this case 'Right-Click' on the waypoint you wish to transfer.